Web-Native Systems: The Hidden Cost Savings For Brokers and Forwarders

March 5, 2018

by Dean Gionis

Web-native platforms designed for brokers and forwarders are a great tool as they facilitate the timely and compliant movement of goods from point of origination to point of destination, across borders, anywhere in the world. Furthermore, these solutions provide even deeper benefits by helping brokers and forwarders increase financial and supply chain efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction, reduce risk of noncompliance and better control costs. In this blog post, we are going to dive into the financial benefits of web-native platforms, specifically, and how they can put more money into your company’s pocket.

Reduced Costs

Web-native platforms enable all employees to access their main system via the cloud. Having this option means that employees are able to work remotely from home whenever it is necessary. When it comes to minimizing expenses, operating in the cloud is a key factor because the less physical office space needed, the lower monthly rent will be. In fact, studies show that if a typical business allowed employees to work from home just half the time, they would save, on average, $11,000 per year. In terms of cash savings for employees, telecommunication has proven to save workers between $2,000 and $7,000 a year.

It is also very common for brokers and freight forwarders to expand into different cities as a way to increase revenue streams. While oftentimes necessary, it is an expensive task to undertake due to the added mortgage or lease, utilities, janitorial services, and office supplies and equipment. However, web-native platforms eliminate the need for that physical space in pricey cities since employees can work remotely instead of out of an office.

Increased Productivity

The phenomenon of working from home is rapidly increasing as technology has evolved. According to Global Workplace Analytics, 3.7 million employees (2.8 percent of the workforce) now work from home at least half the time. And, according to those remote workers, about 91 percent feel that they’re more productive than when they are in an office. This is because there are fewer distractions while working in a home office, employees are perceived as more valued and trusted, and thus feel obligated to exceed expectations as a way to prove themselves.

In addition, having remote employees tends to result in less missed days of work. So, in the instance that there is a terrible snow storm, hurricane or other natural disaster, productivity will not be lost that day. For example, Federal employees in Washington who worked from home during four official snow days saved the government an estimated $32 million, according to Global Workplace Analytics and its research arm Telework Research Network.

The same principle applies to executives who routinely travel for business and trade shows. Even though they are out of the office, they can get a live update on what is going on via the cloud. By no longer having to continuously call the office for updates, they can spend their valued time on other important tasks at hand.

Better Recruitment

When companies have the freedom to hire from anywhere in the world, the talent pool grows. Being able to pick from the most qualified in the industry, regardless of where they are located, is a huge competitive advantage when trying to grow a business. On top of that, when employees are spread out all over the country or even the globe, brokers and freight forwarders are able to operate in more time zones, meaning that there are more hours in the day.

Moreover, 56 percent of hiring managers have reported that Gen Y’ers are more difficult to recruit, with 64 percent stating that they are even harder to retain. This is because the younger generation is particularly attracted to flexible work arrangements. By offering remote capabilities, organizations are more likely to entice the younger, technological-advanced generation, which helps build a competitive edge.

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QuestaWeb has been serving mid to large sized brokers and forwarders for over 30 years. In fact, the company was the first to offer a web-native solution in its industry. If you require cost savings, higher productivity and a better talent pool, talk to QuestaWeb today.